Message From the Director
Cassie Bichy, Director of Learning Resources Center
Welcome to the Learning Resources Center (LRC) at UMBC. The mission of the department is to provide superior undergraduate academic support programs. The goal of these programs is for students to achieve their academic goals and become independent learners responsible for their education at UMBC. Students using academic support programs and services become successful students in class and in research activities. LRC programs include: tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, First Year Intervention, Placement Testing, success classes in math and study skills, and International Teaching Assistants Program.
Students are introduced to our services before attending the first class as we are responsible for Placement Testing in Mathematics, Writing, and Reading. Placement tests are accessed online once a student has been admitted into UMBC. Appropriate course placement is crucial for future academic success.
UMBC students now have the opportunity to use walk-in tutoring the Math Lab and The Writing Center in their new location on the first floor of the UMBC Library. Hours are posted in the centers and are available on our website (www.umbc.edu/lrc). The Math Lab and The Writing Center will be an important part of the new Retriever Learning Center (RLC) in the Library.
Midway through the semester, some first year and/or transfer students may receive a First-Year Intervention Alert from myUMBC if they drop below a “C” in a class. Successful students read and respond to their Alerts and access the appropriate campus resources.
Our newest program is Supplemental Instruction. By attending peer-led group discussion sessions, students learn problem-solving skills from the Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader and each other. At this time, SI is available in Math 150, Pre-calculus mathematics.
We are located in the Academic IV Building, B-wing, 345. Students and parents are encouraged to contact us for further information on our academic support programs and classes.
Sincerely yours,
Cassie L. Bichy, M.Ed., C.R.S.
LRC Director
bichy@umbc.edu
